Parkinson’s Disease and Home Care

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement and leads to shaking, stiffness, and issues with balance, coordination, walking and talking. It is the second most common age-related nerve degenerating disease, with Alzheimer’s disease being the first.

Home Care Cotati CA – Parkinson’s Disease and Home Care

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are gradual, sometimes beginning with a very slight tremor, which may get more pronounced and worsen over time. People with Parkinson’s disease also may experience mental and behavioral changes, problems with sleep and memory, fatigue, and depression.

Other symptoms some people may experience are impaired balance, lack of coordination, reduced sense of smell, rigidity of the limbs, difficulties with urination, increased salivation and sweating, or gradual loss of spontaneous movement.

There are also a few non-movement symptoms, such as fatigue, irregular blood pressure, and sudden drops in blood pressure when an affected person stands up from sitting or lying-down, which may be caused when nerve endings are lost.

Who is affected?

Parkinson’s disease is usually considered a disease mostly affecting seniors, as most people first diagnosed with it are around the age of 60, however a small percentage of the population under the age of 50 is diagnosed with Parkinson’s which is referred to in that age group as “early-onset”. Only 5% of all cases of Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed before the age of 60.

Age is a clear risk factor, but it is believed that cases of early-onset may often be inherited as some forms have been linked to gene mutations. Most cases of the disease seem to be randomly acquired, but many researches now believe that a combination of genetics and exposure to environmental factors, like toxins, are what leads to Parkinson’s disease.

Although the disease strikes both men and women, it is more commonly diagnosed in men with about 50 percent more cases reported.

What is the cause?

When nerve cells in the area of the brain that control movement become impaired and/or die, this can lead to Parkinson’s disease. These nerve cells that usually produce dopamine, a chemical that helps regulate movement, attention, learning, and emotional responses, are unable to keep up with the supply which causes the movement problems that are a common symptom of the disease. Scientists are still unsure what specifically causes the cells that produce dopamine to die.

How is it diagnosed?

Because there are no medical tests to definitively detect the disease, and symptoms can often be subtle and be confused with the normal signs of aging, it can be difficult to diagnose Parkinson’s disease accurately. Seniors receiving home care often have other complex medical issues which could have similar symptoms, so it is important to discuss any health concerns or new changes with your senior’s doctor.

If you or your senior’s home care aides notice changes such as their face lacking expression, or their inability to move a limb like usual, contact a health care practitioner right away.

What is the prognosis?

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, however there are certain medications, surgical interventions, and other therapies that may relieve some of the symptoms that your loved one may be experiencing. Talk to their doctor to find the best plan of treatment for them.

In 1988, after working as a clinical nurse in the University Health System at UC San Francisco, Lucy Andrews started understanding home care.

She became a discharge planner and immediately fell in love with the concept of home care and the autonomous clinical practice it affords nurses. Dr. Lucy was hooked and has been a strong supporter of home care ever since.Believing people need advocates in healthcare systems, she has championed that cause across the acute care and post-acute care setting.

Dr. Lucy has worked in every aspect of home care from Medicare Certified, DME, Infusion, Hospice and finally Private Duty/Private Pay services. She also works as a home care consultant across the country and as a legal nurse consultant for the home care industry.

Having worked in all areas of home care, Dr. Lucy has a well-rounded perspective of the challenges facing patients, families and the home care industry, and as a provider she advocates for patients through the maze of health care services. Dr. Lucy celebrated over 37 years as a nurse and patient advocate.

Dr. Lucy has a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois.In 1994, she received her Masters of Science in Health Service Administration from St. Mary's University, Moraga, California. Dr. Lucy received her Doctor of Nursing Practice awarded in 2016, graduating with Distinction and a 4.0 GPA.

She did her doctoral work on the global dementia crisis, aging and prevention strategies for healthy living. Developed dementia and Alzheimer's disease plans for aging patients leaving the hospital setting or entering long-term care or home health and hospice environments. She also developed a specialized program for those at risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

In 1992, Dr. Lucy was designated CAHSAH Certified Home Care Administrator in the inaugural offering of this designation through the California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH).

She is the founder and CEO of Creative Solutions Home Care Consulting Services and At Your Service Nursing & Home Care, a concierge nursing & home care agency that provides the services she believes are essential for seniors to age in place.She offers a higher level of care allowing people to be in their own homes with an emphasis on independence, safety, and quality of life.

Dr. Lucy is the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) and sits on the Board of Directors for California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH).

She has served on the boards for both state and national board associations, and is currently on the following boards and committees: Board of Directors, California State Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH), 2002-present, National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC's) Private Duty Home Care Association Director, and multiple state and national home care committees.

Dr. Lucy goes to Washington, DC, several times a year to advocate for senior services and home care issues. She was past Commissioner for the Sonoma Commission on Human Rights.She is past chair of the local Senior Advocacy Services.